Kuwait arrests 'terror cell' convicts with Iran, Hezbollah ties

Twelve convicted members of a cell backed by Iran and Hizbollah have been arrested in Kuwait after they went on the run last month.

The case dates back to August of 2015 when Kuwaiti security forces raided a farm in Al Abdali near Iraqi border, arresting a number of people in possession of weapons. Police are still hunting another two men.

Their disappearance sparked a downturn in diplomatic relations with Iran, with Kuwait asking Tehran to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.

Authorities on Saturday arrested 12 convicted members of a "terrorist cell" with ties to Iran and Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah after a weeks-long manhunt.

The Supreme Court in June overturned an acquittal by an appeals court and convicted 21 of forming a "terrorist cell" with ties to Iran and Hezbollah.

Kuwait has protested to Lebanon over the alleged training of the al-Abdali cell by "Hezbollah".

Kuwaiti authorities say that the cell belonged to an Iranian militant group which wanted to destabilize the oil-rich Gulf country.

Bassil and his counterpart discussed the official complaint that Kuwait had filed against the party's involvement in the cell, reported Lebanon's National News Agency.